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Touratech Racing a BMW R nineT in Red Bull Romaniacs

 The first time big-bore twin-cylinder machines compete in the hard enduro.

Published on 07.24.2017

The BMW R nineT is known more for its visual appeal and retro styling than any off-road prowess it might posses. With 17″ wheels, 4.7 inches of suspension travel, a shaft drive and 1200cc’s of air-cooled cylinders sticking out the sides, it might be the last bike you would expect to see at one of the world’s toughest off-road races. But that is exactly the bike Touratech intends to bring to this year’s Red Bull Romaniacs competition.

Starting tomorrow, July 25th, roughly 500 racers from 50 different countries will descend on Sibiu, Romania for the start of the 5-day competition which has earned a reputation of being slightly ‘nuts.’ Competitors will test their mettle on some of the toughest enduro trails in the Southern Carpathian mountains along with several hair-raising man-made challenges over the 600km (373 miles) course.

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The challenging conditions offer the ultimate proving grounds for Touratech’s development department to test new products and their BMW R nineT prototype — the R9X — is extensively modified to handle the rigorous terrain. Full build details are limited, but the R9X will feature Touratech suspension, TT-3D bodywork and more.

Yet the race will be just as much a test of the rider as it is for the bike, and this will be the first year twin-cylinder machines take on the Romaniacs course. The Touratech R9X will be piloted by none other than former BMW factory rider and Red Bull Romaniacs veteran Gerhard Forster. Forster has ridden BMW HP2 enduros in a variety of races and has also finished in the Gold Class Top 10 five times at the Red Bull Romaniacs on a single-cylinder machine. Other achievements include being a six-time finisher at the Erzberg Rodeo, a 4th place at the Roof of Africa and a 2nd place at the GetzenRodeo.

Gerhard is clearly up for the challenge, but there are also bragging rights at stake. The KTM vs. BMW rivalry will be in full force during the race with both Chris Birch and Quinn Cody piloting modified KTM 1090 Adventure R’s in the Iron Class. All the action will be live streamed from the Red Bull Romaniacs website and you can get your first glimpse of the big bikes when the action begins tomorrow!